Planning Commission backs 3 Rivers Park District purchase of 6801 County Road 15 adjacent to Gale Woods

The Minnetrista Planning Commission unanimously recommended Sept. 22 that the City Council support 3 Rivers Park District's planned purchase of a parcel at 6801 County Road 15, which staff said would be incorporated into the adjacent Gale Woods park.

Planning staff told the commission the owners at 6801 County Road 15 approached 3 Rivers about selling the property and that the park district typically acquires land from willing sellers. "3 Rivers likes to operate on a willing seller basis," Planning staff said, and added that the parcel is shown in staff materials as a separate property surrounded on three sides by Gale Woods.

Commission discussion focused on the parcel's history and the limited tax revenue the city receives from the site. Commissioners estimated the affected city tax amount would be modest; one commissioner said the loss of city tax revenue from this parcel would be "a little over $1,000" annually, while staff emphasized the figure is small relative to overall valuations and that Gale Woods is a significant community asset.

Planning staff said state law requires the planning agency to act in this case and asked the commission to recommend the council adopt a resolution supporting the purchase. Commissioner (S5) moved and Commissioner (S6) seconded a motion to recommend council support for the acquisition; the commission voted in favor and staff said the recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.

The commission's role is advisory; final approval and any tax or conveyance conditions rest with the City Council and the park district closing process.